Archive for July 31st, 2007

Public Transport Users Association Southeast Branch Meeting

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 31st of July, 2007

Tuesday, 5 June 2007
7:00 pm	to	8:30 pm
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
7:00 pm	to	8:30 pm
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
7:00 pm	to	8:30 pm
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
7:00 pm	to	8:30 pm

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) Southeast Branch meets on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss public transport issues relevant to southeastern Melbourne.

The branch aims to provide a local and vocal presence representing the public transport needs of the fast growing southeastern suburbs. Recent successes include new cleaning and maintenance standards for Dandenong Station, improvements to Noble Park Station and more frequent bus services.

The branch meets at at the Greater Dandenong Council offices (397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale) from 7:00 pm and is within walking distance of Springvale Station and the route 888/889 SmartBus. Attendance is open to all southeastern residents.

PTUA Southeast Branch - recognising the PTUA’s history

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 3rd of July, 2007

This evening the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) Southeast Branch provided the opportunity to recognise the dedication of one of the founding members of the PTUA, Ken McIntyre.

Ken was a foundation member of the organisation, who with a number of other concerned citizens formed the PTUA in 1976. Under Ken’s stewardship the organisation achieved number of victories, including the introduction of multimodal tickets, meaning that passengers do not need to pay separate fares to use buses, trams or trains and electrification of the Cranbourne line in Melbourne’s southeast.

After resigning from the PTUA committee in 1995, Ken recently returned as an active member of the PTUA Southeast Branch. Ken’s experience has proven invaluable as the branch continues to advocate for further public transport improvements in southeast.

A certificate was presented to Ken in acknowledgement of his continued years of service to the PTUA.

Maroondah Leader: Park support appreciated

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 3rd of July, 2007

The following is a letter that I wrote and published in this week’s Maroondah Leader to express my appreciation for the residents who have taken the time to write a formal objection to the sale of the park located at 47a Maidstone Street in Ringwood.

Unfortunately there was a scurrilous attempt to denigrate the efforts and commitment that these people have shown for their local community. My letter aimed to reassure people that their views are taken seriously and to congratulate the many people who took the time to voice their concerns in regard to council decisions:

I WOULD like to thank the many residents who have taken the time and the effort to lodge objections in regard to Maidstone St.

Contrary to the comments of Carol Hunter (Maroondah Leader, June 26), I assure these people that they are not “fighting a losing battle”; rather each submission reinforces the value that the community holds for our unique community parks such as Maidstone St.

According to my records, I have not yet received an objection from Carol Hunter in regard to the proposal surrounding Maidstone St. I encourage Carol to follow the actions of her local community and to take the time to lodge a submission to ensure that her voice is heard. There is little point criticising processes if people fail to take advantage of the opportunities available.

It is wonderful that the community surrounding Maidstone St Park has rightfully used this process and I certainly encourage further residents to do likewise.

Objections to Maidstone St need to be lodged by July 6, so please ensure that you take this opportunity to make your voice heard.

Cr. Alex Makin

Loughnan’s Hill Ward